Personal Injury Lawyer in Huntington Beach CA

Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Huntington Beach, CA, is the safest and most convenient move if you intend to claim compensation for the damages you suffered in your accident. Accident lawyers can determine all the damages you suffered, especially the ones that are not evident or difficult to spot. They can also guide you through the claim process and give helpful advice at every stage.

My Lawyer Mark is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles County that stands out for offering empathic, humane treatment to its defendants. We understand that you and you’re family are struggling with an unpredicted, unwanted accident provoked by someone else’s negligence. Our mission is to give you justice and the maximum compensation owed to you by law.

Schedule a free consultation by calling (866) 721-5808.

Reasons To Hire Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Huntington Beach CA

Your choice of legal representation can greatly impact the outcome of your personal injury case. My Lawyer Mark offers a compelling combination of expertise, compassion, and aggressive advocacy. With a deep understanding of California personal injury law and a proven track record of success, we have consistently helped clients recover the compensation they deserve.

We believe in providing personalized attention to each client, ensuring open communication throughout the legal process. Our team is committed to understanding your situation and offering compassionate support during this challenging time. We are skilled negotiators who can often secure favorable settlements.

By choosing our firm, you can rest assured that we will handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Our dedicated support staff can answer your questions and assist 24/7. Most importantly, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Let us help you pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Accident and Injury Practice Areas

Accidents

• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Uber/Lyft Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Dog bite injuries
• Pedestrian accidents
• Premises liability
• Slip and fall

Personal Injuries

• Catastrophic injuries
• Amputations
• Burn Injuries
• Paralysis
• Spinal Chord Injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

How to Know If You’re Eligible To File a Personal Injury Claim

While legal expertise is often recommended to determine eligibility for a personal injury claim in California, understanding the four key elements can help you get a basic idea:

1. Duty of Care: This means the defendant had a legal obligation to act in a way that wouldn’t cause you harm. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, and property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition.
2. Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to uphold their duty of care. In a car accident, this might involve reckless driving or failing to yield the right of way. In a slip and fall, a broken handrail on a staircase could be a breach of duty.
3. Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries. This means your injuries wouldn’t have happened but for the defendant’s actions (or lack thereof).
4. Damages: You suffered actual losses as a result of the defendant’s negligence. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and emotional distress.

Proving these elements can be complex and often requires evidence. This evidence might include medical records, police reports, witness statements, accident scene photos, and expert opinions. A personal injury lawyer in Huntington Beach, CA can work with you to obtain that evidence and determine if you’re eligible for compensation.

What is the Time Limit to File a Personal Injury Claim?

Generally, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. This is often referred to as the “statute of limitations. Generally, the statute of limitations begins to run from the date of the injury. However, there are exceptions to this rule:

• Discovery Rule: If the injury or its full extent wasn’t discovered immediately, the two-year clock might start from the discovery date. For instance, if a medical error leads to a condition that manifests years later, the statute of limitations might start from the date the condition was diagnosed.
• Minors: If the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations is typically tolled (paused) until they reach the age of majority, which is 18 in California.

• Government Claims: If the responsible party is a government entity, you must typically file an administrative claim within six months of the injury before proceeding with a lawsuit.

Economic and Non-Economic Damages You Can I Recover

In California, individuals who suffer personal injuries due to the negligence of another may be entitled to recover damages.

These damages are typically categorized into two main types: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible financial losses resulting from the injury. They are generally easier to quantify and prove with receipts, bills, or other documentation. Examples of economic damages include:

• Medical expenses: Past, current, and future costs of medical treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and medical equipment.
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time missed from work due to the injury.
• Loss of earning capacity: Future income potential lost due to the injury’s long-term effects.
• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged property.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible losses that are more subjective and difficult to quantify. They compensate for pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the injury. Examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional anguish caused by the injury.
• Emotional distress: Mental anguish, anxiety, and depression resulting from the injury.
• Loss of consortium: Loss of companionship, love, and affection from a spouse or partner.
• Disfigurement: Physical scarring or deformity that causes emotional distress.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities and hobbies due to the injury.

How Much Is My Claim Worth?

The short answer is: it depends. The value of a personal injury claim in California varies widely based on several factors, including:

• Severity of injuries: This is the most significant factor. Catastrophic injuries like paralysis or brain damage will result in significantly higher settlements than minor injuries.
• Medical expenses: Past, current, and future medical costs directly impact the claim’s value.
• Lost wages: Income lost due to the injury is a crucial component of the claim.
• Pain and suffering: This is subjective but can significantly increase the settlement amount.
• Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing damaged property is included.
• Liability: The extent to which the other party is at fault influences the settlement.
• Insurance coverage: The available insurance limits can cap the potential settlement.

I was Partially at Fault for My Accident. Can I Claim Compensation?

Yes, you can claim compensation in California even if you were partially at Fault. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means that even if you are partially responsible for an accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

How Does Comparative Negligence Work?

• Determine fault: The court or insurance company will assess the percentage of fault for each party involved in the accident.
• Calculate damages: The total amount of damages is calculated based on your injuries, medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Reduce compensation: Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example: If you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident and your total damages are $100,000, you can recover $80,000.

Accident Statistics in Huntington Beach, CA

In 2023, Huntington Beach experienced approximately 4,000 motor vehicle accidents. This number includes collisions at intersections, hit-and-runs, and fatal accidents. Some specific locations noted for fatal accidents were Beach Boulevard, Adams Avenue, and Magnolia Street. The data about accidents in the area is scarce but still highlights the importance of safe driving and awareness of high-risk areas within the city.

Streets and Intersections with Most Accidents in Huntington Beach

Notable Intersections

• Ellis Avenue and Newland Street: This intersection is frequently cited as the most dangerous in Huntington Beach.
• Gothard Street and Heil Avenue: Another intersection with a high crash risk index.
• Magnolia Street and Yorktown Avenue: Also considered a high-risk intersection.
• Edinger Avenue and Beach Boulevard: This intersection is known for a high volume of accidents and injuries.

High-Risk Streets

• Beach Boulevard: This major thoroughfare has many accidents, including fatal ones.
• Pacific Coast Highway (PCH): Due to heavy traffic and varying speed limits, PCH is another street with a high accident rate.

Basic Steps to Take After Suffering an Accident

1. Ensure safety: Move to a safe location if possible.
2. Call 911: This is so the police can file their report on the accident.
3. Exchange information: With other drivers and witnesses.
4. Document the scene: Take photos and videos.
5. Seek medical attention: Even if feeling okay.
6. Consider legal advice: If injuries or damages are significant.

Additional tips: Be honest, avoid admitting fault, and limit social media posts about the accident.

Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Huntington Beach

• DMV
• Huntington Beach Police Department
• Huntington Beach Fire-Rescue Department
• Los Angeles County Sheriff
• Hospitals in Huntington Beach
• Triple A Huntington Beach

How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Huntington Beach Cost?

Contingency fees are a common payment structure in California personal injury cases. Instead of charging an hourly rate or requiring upfront payment, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgment awarded to the client. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to individuals who might be unable to afford traditional legal fees.

The contingency fee percentage can vary based on factors like the case’s complexity, the attorney’s experience, and the stage at which the case is resolved. It’s essential to understand the specific terms of the contingency fee agreement, including the percentage, when the fee applies, and any additional costs the client might be responsible for.

Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Huntington Beach CA

If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Huntington Beach, CA, Call My Lawyer Mark at (866) 721-5808 to schedule a free consultation. Our lawyers have experience, understand the law, and know how to win. Once they take your case, they fight tooth and nail to obtain nothing but the maximum compensation you deserve by law. Get family-like treatment, peace of mind, and compensation that covers all the damages you sustained in your accident.